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Main => The Campaign => Topic started by: Sir James A on 2013-03-09, 01:48:32
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http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2013/03/08/higgins-armory-museum-close-arms-and-armor-worcester-art-museum/3Y4p45OpkfMrQxSGmlP3NP/story.html (http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2013/03/08/higgins-armory-museum-close-arms-and-armor-worcester-art-museum/3Y4p45OpkfMrQxSGmlP3NP/story.html)
It's about a 7 hour drive or so. I'm thinking road trip! No idea when or if I can, but it's a really cool place. I've been lucky enough to see the Met, but never been to the Higgins.
Ken Mondschein teaches sword classes up there. If I can make it, I might bug him to autograph the two books I have of his.
I've also offered to provide a loving home for 25 or 30 harnesses for them; if that happens, I'll let you know. :)
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Long drive, but doable.
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http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2013/03/08/higgins-armory-museum-close-arms-and-armor-worcester-art-museum/3Y4p45OpkfMrQxSGmlP3NP/story.html (http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2013/03/08/higgins-armory-museum-close-arms-and-armor-worcester-art-museum/3Y4p45OpkfMrQxSGmlP3NP/story.html)
It's about a 7 hour drive or so. I'm thinking road trip! No idea when or if I can, but it's a really cool place. I've been lucky enough to see the Met, but never been to the Higgins.
Ken Mondschein teaches sword classes up there. If I can make it, I might bug him to autograph the two books I have of his.
I've also offered to provide a loving home for 25 or 30 harnesses for them; if that happens, I'll let you know. :)
Been going there for years & I did not hear that. :( Let me know when guys are coming as this is my backyard & I can meet up with you. Wait, now that I think about it... that's an awesome place for a knighting. :)
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anyway we can avoid driving thru NY? i seriously do not wanna give that state any of my money.
i might be up for a road trip
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anyway we can avoid driving thru NY? i seriously do not wanna give that state any of my money.
i might be up for a road trip
Only by sea. Go thru NE PA Scranton to Binghamton, NY up Rt 88 to Rt 90 leads to Mass Pike eastbound. No tolls that way last I traveled. Except for MASS Pike tolls. SIDE NOTE if you travel this route:: I own a TIMESHARE in Lee, MASS Exit 2 off Rt. 90 (Mass Pike) if any of you fine gents require a pitstop or sleepover. I shall accomodate you if needed. Let me know. :)
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I looked at taking the Amtrak from Manassas VA up there, but it only stops about an hour west and an hour east of the museum, which would mean rental car and all that. Road trip might be more reasonable. Lord Dane's path without tolls seems like a good idea.
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The tolls on a straight run up 95 will run you over $50 going through NY; I make that run pretty regularly to visit my folks so I'm well acquainted with it. It really sucks.
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Anyone making a roadtrip, let me know. I can accomodate. :)
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Closing! Say it isn't so! I spent many fascinated days at Higgins during my youth with my dad. It must have been in the late 50's, early 60's. Higgins was free admission at that time. Even at that, there was rarely anyone but the castellan in the museum with us and we always had freedom to roam at will. They didn't give any classes then, just a huge private collection of a wealthy industrialist who wanted others to enjoy it at will. I've been fascinated by the subject ever since.
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Relax Grand Master. It is just being relocated to the Worcester Art Museum.
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Good to know Lord Dane though I doubt they have enough room there to display much of that huge collection. By the way, I am relaxing with a Guiness Stout at this very moment and thanks for your concern. 8)
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Good to know Lord Dane though I doubt they have enough room there to display much of that huge collection. By the way, I am relaxing with a Guiness Stout at this very moment and thanks for your concern. 8)
That's exactly my concern too. What is going to go into hiding, what will be sold off, and what will be neglected or abused. What we will be left with likely won't be anywhere near what the Higgins is now. :(
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Good to know Lord Dane though I doubt they have enough room there to display much of that huge collection. By the way, I am relaxing with a Guiness Stout at this very moment and thanks for your concern. 8)
That's exactly my concern too. What is going to go into hiding, what will be sold off, and what will be neglected or abused. What we will be left with likely won't be anywhere near what the Higgins is now. :(
Worcester Arm Museum has new space with this expansion & will acquire MOST of the collection, very little is being sold off to private auction. They also will hire 6-7 of 9 of the Higgins staff in the transition. By the way, I think the Higgins would be a lovely place for an Order knighting *ahem* :) :)
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Very sad, but at least people will still get to view part of the collection, in a side note many art museums don't give much space to armor exhibits any more, the relics are becoming relics of less interest to today's generations it seems. It would be a great place to do a Knighting....
In that vein I wish we could do this in such a way with a celebration afterwards... something to think about for new members.
I wonder if we would have an interest in getting together for a holiday party, as I am planning my NSSA team party now, and most SCA groups also have parties.
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I wonder if we would have an interest in getting together for a holiday party, as I am planning my NSSA team party now, and most SCA groups also have parties.
Depending on time and location, might be feasible.
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Would definitely be up for a trip/other group action. I wonder if they have discussed giving part of the collection to other museums who might be able to accommodate (i.e., Smithsonian or NY).
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Would definitely be up for a trip/other group action. I wonder if they have discussed giving part of the collection to other museums who might be able to accommodate (i.e., Smithsonian or NY).
I've suggested they give some to me, but as of now, that request has not been fulfilled. :(
Some of it is getting sold, and while a large chunk of it is getting moved to another museum, whether it goes into the archives or actually gets displayed is one of my main concerns. I'm hoping to get some "behind closed doors" peeks at some things, but no promises.
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A fraction got sold privately at auction. Most is going to Worcester Art Museum for a new wing display there. 7 of 9 staff as well. So let's do a road trip. :) All in favor???
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Aye!
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Still in favor, just need to coordinate and fund :)
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There's a FB event for some people to meet up and visit Higgins in full harness. Dec 21st, saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular (https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular)
Not sure if it's a public thing or not. But I believe that'll be my target date for the trip now.
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I'm in of course. :)
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There's a FB event for some people to meet up and visit Higgins in full harness. Dec 21st, saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular (https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular)
Not sure if it's a public thing or not. But I believe that'll be my target date for the trip now.
Oh MAN! There is no way I can do that date! That is my granddaughter's FIRST birthday! - Only the rapture of the church would make me miss her Birthday party!
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There's a FB event for some people to meet up and visit Higgins in full harness. Dec 21st, saturday.
https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular (https://www.facebook.com/events/659245204100232/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular)
Not sure if it's a public thing or not. But I believe that'll be my target date for the trip now.
Oh MAN! There is no way I can do that date! That is my granddaughter's FIRST birthday! - Only the rapture of the church would make me miss her Birthday party!
You're thinking backwards. There is NO WAY your grand-daughter's 1st birthday should not be at the Higgins, as it will literally be a once-in-her-lifetime opportunity since it closes in a few months. :D
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Game time!! Who wants to go to HIGGINS this month before closing?? I can arrange my timeshare for those you wanting to come needing a place to stay for 2-3 days. Oak & Spruce Resort in South Lee, MASS right off Exit #2 of Rt. 90 (MASS PIKE). Conveniently on the way to Worcester (HIGGINS) if you drive up through New York going towards Albany then switch to Rt. 90 EAST into MASS. Anyone interested, let me know & let's get a date. And bring armor with favorite toys. My timeshare can accommodate 4 people at least. 2 bed, 2 bath condo unit. So no excuses. :) Knight up!!!
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Ack! I had something else on the 21st but I'm not committed to it, just a local event. I can skip that. Let me check in with my nephew and see if he can/wants to go then too. Anybody else up for the trip? We can carpool - I think - and still fit some armor. Maybe max of 3 to have space for armor.
Does Higgins allow us to wear swords/sharps??
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i bet not. check laws for the state, then email the armoury
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i bet not. check laws for the state, then email the armoury
We're talking about North Koreachusetts here....
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then by way of thinking you are already illegal cause you own them in your own state
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I am the law for the state. Keep the toys locked in your trunk until you get there. It is private property that caters to medieval weaponry, etc. You will be welcomed as guests. But let us make arrangements for a special group thing for us. I'm sure they would love the hooplah of it on their last days of having armoured knights.
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Actually I resent that statement, Sir Ian. We are much closer to being Mass-a-China-setts. ;D
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Sir James & anyone interested in going to Higgins....
Vacation week starts Sat. 12/14/2013 until last day. Every day is armored knights display & weapons demonstrations. Perfect chance to come. Check schedule www.higgins.org (http://www.higgins.org) for what works for you guys coming. I will arrange accommodations if you need them for 3 days at my timeshare. Might as well stay a bit if you can. Last chance to do this!! Weekends work best for me.
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i bet not. check laws for the state, then email the armoury
We're talking about North Koreachusetts here....
It's a standard blade, neither "high capacity" nor "assault". :D
I am the law for the state. Keep the toys locked in your trunk until you get there. It is private property that caters to medieval weaponry, etc. You will be welcomed as guests. But let us make arrangements for a special group thing for us. I'm sure they would love the hooplah of it on their last days of having armoured knights.
I think making arrangements ahead of time is a good idea. I'll talk to one of the guys on Facebook who works there, see what he says.
Sir James & anyone interested in going to Higgins....
Vacation week starts Sat. 12/14/2013 until last day. Every day is armored knights display & weapons demonstrations. Perfect chance to come. Check schedule www.higgins.org (http://www.higgins.org) for what works for you guys coming. I will arrange accommodations if you need them for 3 days at my timeshare. Might as well stay a bit if you can. Last chance to do this!! Weekends work best for me.
I'm shooting for the 21st to see if we can get a big group of people in armor in front of the other groups of armor without people in them. Likely do a friday drive up, stay friday night, Higgins on saturday, stay saturday night, hang out for a bit until around lunch on sunday then start heading home. I need to confirm dates with work and my nephew - but the offer on the timeshare is most generous and would be greatly appreciated.
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Ok. I can meet you guys on Fri. Dec 20th at Oak & Spruce Resort www.silverleafresorts.com (http://www.silverleafresorts.com) after 4pm for check-in. I have to physically check us in & be there anyways. I got it reserved for Fri. 4pm - Mon. 12 noon. Played it safe and got extra day. Let me know ASAP. I'll stop by this Sat. and inquire for us too. Who do you know there James??
And send me name list of people coming who need accommodating when you know ... Can do 4 or 5 people at timeshare if need be without feeling crammed. 2 bed, 2 bath with sleeper sofa and full kitchen.
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Ok. I can meet you guys on Fri. Dec 20th at Oak & Spruce Resort www.silverleafresorts.com (http://www.silverleafresorts.com) after 4pm for check-in. I have to physically check us in & be there anyways. I got it reserved for Fri. 4pm - Mon. 12 noon. Played it safe and got extra day. Let me know ASAP. I'll stop by this Sat. and inquire for us too. Who do you know there James??
And send me name list of people coming who need accommodating when you know ... Can do 4 or 5 people at timeshare if need be without feeling crammed. 2 bed, 2 bath with sleeper sofa and full kitchen.
Dr Mondschein - just talked to him and he said he doesn't work there any more, but he's going to come on the 21st for the event. He said they are generally okay with weapons, too! :D
So far I'm the only one; waiting to hear back about my nephew (Chris). Not sure if Sir Edward (possibly w/wife) or Sir William (possibly w/wife), or Sir Nathan (possibly w/girlfriend) would be coming. I know Sir Brian said he has conflicts.
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Wow, not sure yet. I'll have to check and see how the holiday planning is shaping up.
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Sir Edward, any thoughts on the road trip?
Surprised I haven't heard anything from Sir Nathan either.
Dane, how is the weather looking up there? Still a decent bit of snow on the ground here by me, though the roads are clear; but I've seen forecasts of rain on fri-sun and possibility of icing over. I'm getting a bit nervous with the weather and the trip, since it's ~450 miles and 7+ hours each way - and that's without any time accounted for traffic or weather delays.
Waiting 'til the last minute may bite me in my arse. :(
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I'm probably not going to make it at this point. Too close to the holidays.
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Worst of snow is over. Little accumulation if you go car route thru NY towards Albany.Take your time driving. No rush for whoever is coming. Resort already reserved for you. I will be there around 4pm. Bring what you want. We will arrange things there. James, message me n I will give you my phone. Luxury accommodations await you.
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Sir Edward - doh! :(
Dane - Thanks. Good to know conditions are good. I looked for a train ride. Nothing. I tried 5 local stations, and *none* to Worcester, MA. Kind of crazy to me. I'm not sure how reasonable the trip would be with having to drive the 15+ hours myself like that - might be able to take the nephew's car and he can help drive some (mine is stick).
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Sir Edward - doh! :(
Dane - Thanks. Good to know conditions are good. I looked for a train ride. Nothing. I tried 5 local stations, and *none* to Worcester, MA. Kind of crazy to me. I'm not sure how reasonable the trip would be with having to drive the 15+ hours myself like that - might be able to take the nephew's car and he can help drive some (mine is stick).
Ok. Whatever works for you. Train is bad idea. You would not get close enough to Worcester. Best bet is driving. Take the route I suggested because it is mostly highway & you avoid most if any tolls. Takes you right to resort & you can take your time. I'll be there at 4pm. It's only 90 miles to Worcester from Lee, MA (where timeshare is). Presidential units are VERY big at resort. Lots of room for whatever. Good place to relax after along drive. I just got back from 3 days there.
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The train was a fallback if I'm going solo or only 2 of us. And... my nephew texted and said he's sick. Going to let me know status on Thursday. (he works outside). Not sure if I'll be able to swing that much driving solo - can you PM me the address for timeshare and your cell #? I'm working regular 8(+) hour day on Friday, so I'll need to reallly figure this out as soon as I can.
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Sorry James. I thought you would have day off Friday from work. That is a long drive after working not to mention with snow/ice. Well... if you do make it, the offer stands for a pit-stop at resort Fri through Sunday or Monday. Whichever you like. Hope you can make it.
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If I did not say it earlier, it is most chivalrous of you to stand as host to those of us who can make it, Lord Dane. I commend you for it.
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Originally my plan was to have the day off, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to swing that. I may be able to pull a half day, although I'm not sure if my nephew will be able to get here any earlier, so it may be moot.
PM received, thanks for the info.
I'll let you know status tomorrow. I'm sorry it is so up in the air last minute; it's been a hectic year to say the least.
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Understand. But it is last chance to do this. It is not going out of my way for any of you. It is no trouble at all. I have the space & the place. Come enjoy.
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Wow - I'm so sorry this didn't work out for more folks, including me.
I had really wanted to participate, but as it turns out I'll be driving my family down to Alabama to spend Christmas with my mom & siblings there right after work tomorrow.
Sorry not to be going with you James - and many thanks Lord Dane for the facilitation and offering to host!
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Well, my nephew is not doing so well. Possibly flu or something.
I've stacked up a few hours extra earlier this week and might be able to get off early. I'm nursing a migraine, and I'd be driving solo - so I don't think I'm going to do armor. If I can make the trip, I'll be wearing boring clothing, but taking more pictures than any sane person probably should.
It may partially hinge on how well I sleep and how well work goes tomorrow. It's a long trip to be making solo. :(
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Take your time James. I got forced to work day shift til 3pm today. I'll be getting there later in the day so enjoy the drive. Text me or call when close. I will meet you there to relax. Resort has lots of amenities.
Soft kits it is. Armor will be abundant there anyways. :) Bring your favorite toys though & a gambeson w/ protective gear. Combat demos!! :)
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Have fun you guys! And may the Lord bless you with travel mercies! :)
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Sir Brian is expecting us to have many inconvenient traffic stops due to uncalled for congestion, outrageous gas usage, & extorting toll prices. He just defined driving in Massachusetts.
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I'm really sorry to be missing out on this. I very much wanted to see the museum before closing. Granted, all of the important displays will be moved to another museum, and we'll have further opportunities to see them, but still.
It just wouldn't have worked out for me this month, unfortunately.
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Man, I really wish I could have gone. But, as usual, I live on the wrong side of everything and it would have been way too long of a haul. Besides, once I stepped foot in the museum, you probably wouldn't have been able to get me to leave. ;)
But have fun and take lots of pics!
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But have fun and take lots of pics!
Yes, this. Pictures, or it didn't happen! :)
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I hate to bail last minute like this, but I think I'm going to have to grudgingly pass. :(
It's a long haul both ways for me to drive it on my way, which, I knew a few days ago. I sat down to map out the route, and with tolls, it's 6 1/2 hours to the timeshare. Which puts me there around 2am, assuming I skip a shower and load the car and leave directly after work. If I bypass tolls, it jumps to 7 1/2 hours time.
I also figured out on gas, that I'm looking at about $150 in gas both ways; that's a big chunk for me to take solo. It wasn't so bad splitting with other people.
I think I'm going to go along with Sir Edward's thought - the important stuff (hopefully important to us!) will be moved, and we can visit it next year. Unfortunately we can't visit the *building*, but 15+ hours on the road solo, on the weekend before Christmas, when I've not bought a single present for anyone yet ... is probably not such a good idea. :( I may have to just take a couple aleve and sulk about. :(
If there are no pictures... blood will be spilled. :)
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So be it. I need to sleep. I'm going to Berkshires anyways to relax. I'll go to Higgins when I get back on Monday. IF you want to do next weekend, you guys discuss plans. Sorry you can't do it.
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Next weekend is a definite no. I'm talking maybe July/Aug next year, between VARF and MDRF. I ended up working until 7 and didn't even wake up until noon today. I think last weekend and this week caught up with me. Both of my parents are sick, and I'm hoping they didn't keep the holiday spirit and share it with me. I don't feel like doing much more than sitting in front of the computer, and even that is debatable.
I was planning to hold out and pull through, and come back Monday instead of Sunday if need be. I thought I would at least make it up there. And I could say "Christmas shopping? No, I'm in Massachusetts with swords and armor, I'll buy presents later.". Of which, I've not bought anyone anything, unless I count myself.
No offense meant by being so last minute with cancelling. :(
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None taken. Cancelled timeshare with a click on computer. I will still be going to Higgins this weekend coming up. I'll take pictures.
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Lord Dane - how did this turn out? Would love to hear, thanks.